Sharon – who recently announced her split from rock star husband Ozzy, was one of the original judges on the series and appeared on the panel between 2004 and 2007 before returning in 2013.

She said: “I’m overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon. But most of all, I can’t wait to meet baby Eric.”

(Image: Dymond/Syco/Thames/Corbis)

Louis is also reprising his role on the panel, returning for a record-breaking 12 series as a UK X Factor judge.

He said: “He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! I’m delighted to be back on the panel especially beside my two favourite female judges Sharon and Nicole, and I’m looking forward to taking them all back to Dublin this year when we head there for auditions.”

The X Factor will return to ITV later this year alongside sister show, The Xtra Factor on ITV2.

Fans of the show can follow all the action via @TheXFactor on Twitter and Instagram and on Facebook.com/TheXFactor

Artists discovered by The X Factor have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 200 No. 1s, making it the most successful show in history for finding chart superstars.

This includes One Direction, who have sold 70 million records worldwide; Olly Murs who has achieved success with four multi-platinum albums and total sales of more than 16 million and Little Mix who have sold 15 million records globally.